Pathward, a national bank focused on financial access, released its “Beyond the Headlines: How Energy Executives Dealt with 2025 and See Growth and Risk in 2026” report, which illustrates the U.S. energy industry is entering 2026 with strong momentum and confidence.
Based on a survey of 300 U.S. energy executives, an overwhelming 90% of respondents expect their companies’ financial performance to grow in 2026, signaling a sharp rebound following turbulence in 2025.
“After a year of disruption, energy leaders are focused on turning resilience into results,” Anthony Sharett, president of Pathward, said. “What stands out in this research is that energy executives believe they are better positioned than ever to invest, innovate and help shape the future of U.S. energy policy.”
Key Findings at a Glance:
- 90% predict financial growth for their company in 2026
- 80% cite data center growth as a strategic influence or primary driver of change
- 63% say their company is ahead of sector peers in artificial intelligence adoption
- 94% believe the energy sector overall must catch up on AI deployment
- 82% believe the industry has stronger ability to influence U.S. energy policy than a year ago
As energy demand grows and infrastructure buildouts accelerate, Pathward’s research suggests the industry is entering a pivotal period. Executives are balancing near-term challenges including tariffs, regulatory uncertainty and technology integration, while laying the groundwork for sustained growth.
“The energy industry is at an inflection point,” Christopher Soupal, chief growth officer of Pathward, said. “Executives recognize a significant opportunity to address growing demand and play a pivotal role in shaping national dialogues around infrastructure, innovation and policy. The prevailing confidence signals an industry poised to embrace the challenges and exciting prospects of the coming years.”
